Fast Facts

Seeking a Staff Accountant specializing in Accounts Payable and Payroll to manage daily accounting tasks, ensure accurate transactions, and support month-end close processes.

Responsibilities: Manage accounts payable functions, process payroll, assist with month-end close, and collaborate with HR and accounting teams for compliance and reporting.

Skills: Proficiency in accounting and payroll software, strong attention to detail, excellent communication, problem-solving, time management, and analytical skills are required.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance preferred; 2+ years of relevant experience, particularly in nonprofit or grant accounting is a plus.

Location: The job is located in Silver Spring, MD but involves occasional travel.

Compensation: $60000 - $80000 / Annually

Staff Accountant Accounts Payable and Payroll

Position Details: 

Position Type: 

Full Time, Exempt 

Reports To: 

Accounting Manager 

Work Location: 

Silver Spring, MD (Hybrid) 

Level of Travel Required: 

Occasional travel per department and organizational needs  

Job Overview: 

The Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable and Payroll, is responsible for conducting the day-to-day activities of the accounts payable function, processing payroll, and assisting with general accounting tasks. This position ensures that all invoices, expense reports, and payroll are processed accurately and in a timely manner, while adhering to company policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:  

Accounts Payable (60%): 

• Process, review, and verify vendor invoices for accuracy, coding, and proper authorization. 
• Prepare and process weekly payments via ACH transfers, and wire payments. 
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve any discrepancies or outstanding balances. 
• Manage the company’s expense reporting system, reviewing employee and contractor reimbursements for compliance with company policies. 
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of payments to vendors and employees. 
• Assist with maintaining vendor records, including setting up new vendors and updating existing information as needed. 
• Handle inquiries from vendors and internal departments regarding invoices and payment status. 
• Assist with the preparation and filing of annual 1099 forms. 
• Maintain accurate and organized AP files, including supporting documentation for all payments. 

Payroll Processing (20%): 

• Process semi-monthly payroll for employees, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, deductions, and benefits. 
• Maintain payroll records and ensure they are up-to-date and compliant with labor laws. 
• Handle employee payroll-related inquiries and resolve issues regarding wages, deductions, and time-off accruals. 
• Assist with payroll audits by providing documentation and reports as needed. 
• Work closely with HR to ensure accurate employee data is reflected in the payroll system. 

General Accounting Support (20%):

• Assist with month-end close processes, including preparing journal entries and reconciling AP subledger to the general ledger. 
• Assist with verifying grant-related financial activities to ensure compliance with grant guidelines and reporting requirements. 
• Coordinate with grant administrators to maintain proper documentation and meet all financial deadlines associated with grant funding. 
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements by ensuring the accuracy of AP and payroll-related entries. 
• Collaborate with the accounting team to improve and automate AP and payroll processes. 
• Assist in audit preparation by providing support and documentation related to accounts payable and payroll activities. 
• Support the accounting team with other duties as assigned. 

Skills/Qualifications/Experience: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred. An associate degree with relevant experience will also be considered. 
• Experience: 2+ years of experience in accounts payable, payroll, or general accounting. Experience in a nonprofit environment or government grant accounting is a plus. 
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with accounting and payroll software (e.g., NetSuite, ADP, SAP, or other ERP systems) and strong Microsoft Excel skills. 
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all work. 
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with vendors, employees, and colleagues. 
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to research and resolve discrepancies, understanding the root cause of any issues. 
• Time Management: Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to gather and analyze data to identify discrepancies and suggest process improvements. 
• Accountability: Takes ownership of tasks, follows through on commitments, and ensures timely completion of work. 
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, supporting colleagues when needed. 
• Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to changing processes and new technologies to improve efficiencies. 

Core Competencies: 

Collaboration: Demonstrates respect, humility, and willingness to collaborate when seeking to understand others and making decisions. 

Equity Mindset: Demonstrates capacity to recognize and address racialized structures, policies, and practices that produce and sustain racial inequities. 

Learning Orientation: Embraces challenges, new ideas and different perspectives as an opportunity to learn; continually seeks out and applies new learning to activate change or improvements. 

Systems Thinking: Defines the system and one’s role in the system. Sees relationships and the dynamic elements of the holistic system and executes work accordingly. Influences the system and maps connections to ATD’s external landscape. 

Physical Demands:  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Achieving the Dream is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse work environment.Employment policies and decisions are based upon merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity or expression, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, legally- protected genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.